1948 Allard M-Type Drophead Coupe

Englishman Sydney Allard created many innovative performance machines using readily available low-cost parts from marques such as Ford. His first car, a four-seat Ford, was entered in the 1934 Tourist Trophy. The car wore bodywork from an old Grand Prix Bugatti and rode atop a shortened wheelbase. Work continued over the years on several other personal vehicles, before Allard began selling cars to the public in 1946.

The M1 Drophead Coupe was the first postwar Allard model, introduced in 1947. It had full-length doors and a folding convertible top. Under the bonnet was a 3.6-liter Ford V-8, with a gearbox from Ford of England's V-8 Pilot model. During its four-year production run, a total of 500 examples were produced.

This Drophead Coupe example was purchased by the current owner in September of 2006. The car is painted black with a matching top and upholstery. Inside, there are Smith's instruments and an unrestored Bluemels 'Brooklands' steering wheel. The 'flathead' Ford V8 engine produces 85 horsepower and there are four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Monterey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. At the auction, the lot was sold for the sum of $63,250, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011